Explorer-II Two Tone! Why or Why Not?

[AstroBoy]

I say why not! I love everything in TT, why not on the watch I love! Rolex are you reading this? I'm getting my cash out for it .... Calling photoshop expert, can you whip some of your magic for this? By the mean time....I will keep on dreaming....

[ayeya]

i agree with you. i like TT a lot but it's just not the right fit for me.

[DSJ]

It just doesn't "fit" the "personality" of the Explorer series, IMO. Plus the gold bezel wouldn't last nearly as well as the SS one.

[JCirillo]

Interesting point, is the EXP is only sport watch series without a precious metal version? Was the thought that you can wear a solid gold sub diving, but not, well, whatever the Explorer I/II was meant for?

[tifosi]

I am not a fan of TT watches to begin with but I can't see the ExplorerII as a TT. I think it would be too conflicting with the style of the watch. IMO

[txbikerdude]

I like the explorer series in SS

[Starwalker]

TT, but only rose gold!

[pricojorge]

I will try a photoshop tonight

[JJ Irani]

Well, for starters, the Exp-II is the sports Rolex with possibly the poorest sale, especially the black dial which is not as popular as the white dial.

No offense meant here, just stating a few facts.

Now if that same watch is introduced in a steel/gold version, that would just about kill the sales. There are enough TT Sports Rolex models out there......so why would anyone want an Exp-II in that combo?

JJ

[Otto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, for starters, the Exp-II is the sports Rolex with possibly the poorest sale, especially the black dial which is not as popular as the white dial.

No offense meant here, just stating a few facts.

Now if that same watch is introduced in a steel/gold version, that would just about kill the sales. There are enough TT Sports Rolex models out there......so why would anyone want an Exp-II in that combo?

JJ

JJ,

You said you are "just stating a few facts." On what do you base your statement that "the Exp-II is the sports Rolex with possibly the poorest sale, especially the black dial which is not as popular as the white dial?" Have you seen sales numbers of the Exp II, with a breakdown between white and black dial versions?

I see several Explorer IIs every time I go into Tokyo. Sure, I don't see nearly as many Explorer's IIs as SS Subs, which are just about everywhere as far as I can tell, but Japan is a HUGE Rolex market, and the Exp II appears to me based on purely personal observation to be quite popular. As for the white dial, again from purely personal non-scientific observation, I see it far less frequently than the black dial version.

Also, on this forum the Exp II is frequently characterized as a "stealth" watch, so, if true, wouldn't it be understandable that we would notice it less than the more easily recognizable and sometimes more "in your face" models; e.g., TT Subs, Pepsi GMTs, DDs, etc.?

As for a TT Exp II, it's difficult for me to imagine that based on the history of the watch.

BTW, I haven't yet had the pleasure of owning an Explorer II, but it's on my wish list!
Otto

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by Otto

JJ,

You said you are "just stating a few facts." On what do you base your statement that "the Exp-II is the sports Rolex with possibly the poorest sale, especially the black dial which is not as popular as the white dial?" Have you seen sales numbers of the Exp II, with a breakdown between white and black dial versions?

I see several Explorer IIs every time I go into Tokyo. Sure, I don't see nearly as many Explorer's IIs as SS Subs, which are just about everywhere as far as I can tell, but Japan is a HUGE Rolex market, and the Exp II appears to me based on purely personal observation to be quite popular. As for the white dial, again from purely personal non-scientific observation, I see it far less frequently than the black dial version.

Also, on this forum the Exp II is frequently characterized as a "stealth" watch, so, if true, wouldn't it be understandable that we would notice it less than the more easily recognizable and sometimes more "in your face" models; e.g., TT Subs, Pepsi GMTs, DDs, etc.?

As for a TT Exp II, it's difficult for me to imagine that based on the history of the watch.

BTW, I haven't yet had the pleasure of owning an Explorer II, but it's on my wish list!
Otto

Good points. Not sure about the EXP II being a slower seller. However, based on the postings on this and other forums, I feel like I see 3-4 White exp ii for every black one. Just my gut.

[Bebot]

If rolex think that it will look good and there's market for it, they would have done it a long time ago.

[LDLemu4U]

I'd like to see that! TT Expy II w/ white dial or MOP.

[Rebel]

I'm not a fan of any of the TT sports models. Just my thoughts.

[aleeboy]

Originally Posted by AIKO

Good points. Not sure about the EXP II being a slower seller. However, based on the postings on this and other forums, I feel like I see 3-4 White exp ii for every black one. Just my gut.

In Asia, the colour white has some negative meaning attached to it, so you will rarely see the Exp II in white. The majority of Exp IIs sold in Asia are black. Very different from the US market.

I'm not too sure if I'd like the Exp II in TT. Would be great in all RG/YG though.

[eyen]

Originally Posted by aleeboy

In Asia, the colour white has some negative meaning attached to it, so you will rarely see the Exp II in white. The majority of Exp IIs sold in Asia are black. Very different from the US market.

I'm not too sure if I'd like the Exp II in TT. Would be great in all RG/YG though.

Same here in Chinese market, white not as desireable as black. I spot black EXP II the most in all sport models in HongKong.

[Lion]

We are sure exploring the possibilities on this thread. I think the Explorer II would look nice with a platinum bezel and white dial!!!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Otto

JJ,

You said you are "just stating a few facts." On what do you base your statement that "the Exp-II is the sports Rolex with possibly the poorest sale, especially the black dial which is not as popular as the white dial?" Have you seen sales numbers of the Exp II, with a breakdown between white and black dial versions?

I see several Explorer IIs every time I go into Tokyo. Sure, I don't see nearly as many Explorer's IIs as SS Subs, which are just about everywhere as far as I can tell, but Japan is a HUGE Rolex market, and the Exp II appears to me based on purely personal observation to be quite popular. As for the white dial, again from purely personal non-scientific observation, I see it far less frequently than the black dial version.

Also, on this forum the Exp II is frequently characterized as a "stealth" watch, so, if true, wouldn't it be understandable that we would notice it less than the more easily recognizable and sometimes more "in your face" models; e.g., TT Subs, Pepsi GMTs, DDs, etc.?

As for a TT Exp II, it's difficult for me to imagine that based on the history of the watch.

BTW, I haven't yet had the pleasure of owning an Explorer II, but it's on my wish list!
Otto

Well, Otto.....the Exp-II maybe a hot seller in Japan.....but world-wide the sales are poor as compared with the other sports models.

Both my ADs here in Auckland have Exp-IIs from the D-series and they are still collecting dust on the shelves.

JJ

[Z-Sub]

like the Daytona, black dial is more popular in Asia.

[Singslinger]

I think it's all about giving the customer as many choices as possible, so I for one would like to see a TT and full-gold Explorer 2. I honestly don't see how the introduction of such models could hurt the sales of the S/S version (even if these numbers are relatively lower than the other sports models). If the logic is that having gold in a watch (whether partially or wholly) harms the "street credibility'' of that watch because it's "bling'', then I have to wonder why the GMT2c is so popular, given that there is a full gold version that's coated with diamonds on offer that epitomises the "bling'' factor?

Similarly, is the Sub's "street cred" adversely affected by having full gold versions, or TT dials (the Serti dial) with rubies and diamonds? Or is the Daytona somehow a lesser watch now that there's a diamond-encrusted leopard-print version in circulation? I think not.

Still, the fact that the company hasn't yet made gold or TT Explorers suggests it thinks these models might not sell well. I'm not sure of the reasons why, but I don't think it's anything to do with sales of the S/S model.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, Otto.....the Exp-II maybe a hot seller in Japan.....but world-wide the sales are poor as compared with the other sports models.

Both my ADs here in Auckland have Exp-IIs from the D-series and they are still collecting dust on the shelves.

JJ

OK. I understand your experience with your two Auckland ADs; but where did you get the worldwide sales figures?

I'm just curious because I have always wondered how sales actually in fact break out between models.

Also, I think if you visited Japan you might understand why I think it is a substantial piece of the Rolex market.

[Psmith]

I don't think a TT Exp II is any more likely than a TT DSSD - they are both too 'specialised'. Then again I could be proved wrong on the 26th

The current Exp and Exp II would appear to be the last of the old breed of tool watches.

I'm very interested to see the direction Rolex takes them next.

Cheers


PS: Aus ADs tell me that black outsells white, so perhaps the colour preference is a regional thing and not indicative of overall sales?

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I don't think a TT Exp II is any more likely than a TT DSSD - they are both too 'specialised'. Then again I could be proved wrong on the 26th

The current Exp and Exp II would appear to be the last of the old breed of tool watches.

I'm very interested to see the direction Rolex takes them next.

Cheers


PS: Aus ADs tell me that black outsells white, so perhaps the colour preference is a regional thing and not indicative of overall sales?

I think you're correct on the black/white preference. I also think that the Explorer II in TT is unlikely.